Adjustable cover removing and installing tool

Abstract

A hand-operated tool for removing and installing manhole covers or similar item is disclosed. The tool comprises two leg members, each pivotally connected at their upper ends to the opposite ends of a crossmember. Attached at approximately the mid-point of each leg member is a horizontally aligned chain designed to limit the distance the leg members can be spread apart during operation. A second chain is attached at one end to approximately the mid-point of the cross-member. During operation, the second chain hangs vertically from the crossmember. A hook is attached to the opposite end of the hook which either directly engages the edge of the cover or a lifting element attached to the cover. The chain is adjustable in length so that the leg members may be spread apart on opposite sides of the cover. During use, the second chain is attached to the cover and the tool is moved to one side which lifts and moves the cover to the desired position. The same movement is used to install the cover.

I claim: 
     
       1. An adjustable cover removing and installing tool, comprising: a. a cross member, said cross member having two opposite ends and a longitudinal axis;   b. two leg members each being pivotally attached to one said opposite end of said cross member, each said leg member capable of rotating in a direction parallel to said longitudinal axis of said cross member;   c. a limiting member attached between said leg members to limit the amount of rotation of one said leg members relative to the other said leg member;   d. a chain attached at one end to said cross member;   e. a cover attachment means attached to the opposite end of said chain enabling said chain member to be selectively attached to a cover and;   f. a chain length adjustment means to enable said cover attachment means to be attached to a cover and enable said chain to be adjusted in length so that when a lateral force is applied to said cross member perpendicularly to said longitudinal axis of said cross member, a cover attached to said cover attachment means may be lifted.